US hails fight against corruption in Lanka

The United States today commended the people of Sri Lanka for restoring democratic institutions and combating corruption.

In a statement to the UN Human Rights Council at the 29th session in Geneva today, the US delegation urged the Sri Lankan Government to continue on its path of ensuring accountability and reconciliation.

The US delegation also said that it looks forward to reading the report on Sri Lanka by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in August.

The report is to be formally submitted to the UN Human Rights Council at the September session but will be made available to diplomatic missions in August. (Colombo Gazette)

‘Transparent process crucial for reconciliation’

A transparent process to develop credible mechanism for accountability and reconciliation is needed in Sri Lanka ahead of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report at the September session, United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said.

“The OHCHR will remain very engaged in discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes to develop credible mechanism for accountability and reconciliation, ahead of my report to the September session,” he said.

He said the new Government in Sri Lanka had passed a constitutional amendment which, if implemented appropriately, would bring renewed hope for democracy and the rule of law.

“I encourage the Government to consult broadly with all political parties, civil society, and above all victims and their families, to ensure full national support and ownership of these processes,” the Commissioner told the opening remarks of the 29th Human Rights Council Session on Monday. – See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/76405/transparent-process-crucial-for-reconciliation#sthash.ZGRWw5H4.dpuf